It’s been a while since I’ve shared what’s happening in our lives. The good, the exhausting and the fun, today I’m talking about Real Life: Lately.
Happy February! Yesterday the hubs told me it felt like January 74th … HA…. So true! It has been a loooooong month. And if it seems like I’ve been a little MIA… I’ll explain why.
In the month of Jan, we have fit in a lot of stuff. And even though it’s all been mostly fun, it’s been exhausting. I’m really looking forward to February and hoping to somehow find a bit more time for me and for sleep.
Sleep
OK this should be titled lack of sleep. So up until recently Beanie would go to bed in her bassinet on the main level of our house since she was always up late and we didn’t want to wake up Poppy. When her first wake up feeding came around, I would go downstairs, feed her and then just sleep on the couch the rest of the night in order to allow everyone else to sleep peacefully upstairs (you know without hearing baby cry). I have done this for 5 months.
Also happening, Poppy has been waking up in the middle of the night for over a month. Either asking for milk (which we are trying to avoid) or just wide awake for 1hr+ ready to play. So with both girls basically terribly, we decided it was time to move Cora into her own room and the crib.
To add to the no-sleep party, Beanie is rolling over which means she can’t be in a swaddle anymore. But this little octopus wiggles around so much that she wakes herself up every 30min-1hr. What does this mean? NO SLEEP for ANYONE.
Our new tactic with Beanie is to swaddle her but leave one arm out so she can start getting use to have her arms loose. And then go from there. Wish us luck… we need it! Also if you have any experience or advice on this, send it over. Or just send coffee… that works too!
Adult Time
It’s been tough finding time for the hubs and I lately. Between doing our usual house stuff, caring for the girls and lack of sleep we don’t have much downtime. And when the girls end up going to bed at night, we are both exhausted and end up going to bed shortly after. Seriously like 830-9pm bedtime for us.
We have had some fun morning caffeinated dates though! Whenever grandma takes both girls for a few hours, we go and hang out at a coffee shop or grab breakfast together. It’s so nice!
Not going to lie though, I am craving a vacation so badly! Like a long weekend getaway to wherever. Ugh… sounds nice! But I know as much as the baby/toddler phase is difficult, it is also so special, so I’m trying to cherish the madness. There is always time for vacations in the future.
In lieu of a getaway, we are taking a little city staycation soon. Fancy hotel, pool time, non- kid friendly restaurants, time exploring our own city, and sleep… lots of uninterrupted sleep.
House Decor
For 5 months now, we have been enjoying our newly rearranged family room. We have loved the new flow but really need some artwork on the walls. I’ve know this for 5 months and am still working on it! I’m getting to it soon!
Also since Beanie is now “sleeping” in her room, I’m finally getting around to putting stuff on the walls. A little late but hey, it’s at least happening. I’m starting to gather up some cute baby photos and frames. I’m also super excited to put up a cool animal alphabet poster made by my sister-in-law. My Beanie deserves a cute cozy room so I’m looking forward to getting it done.
Poppy’s room has been decorated for a while, but it definitely needs to be reorganized. With her new easel, toys, books and toddler bed, I’d like to add in easy fun ways to organize it all. Some toy bins and a book shelf to help keep her room a little neater. On that note, I am also going to thin out this girls toys and books!
Spanish Spanish Spanish
Poppy is at such a fun and dynamic age right now. She has such a bright personality with a strong opinion on pretty much everything. From music to food to which aisle to walk through at the grocery store, my girl has a strong opinion about everything.
At the same time she is a little sponge. Coping every single thing we do and say. So I’ve been taking the opportunity to try to speak lots of Spanish to her. It’s nuts how quickly she picks things up. And with a trip to Spanish camp (aka my parent’s) coming up, this girls is hopefully on her way to being bilingual!
Books
Lately we have been totally digging the library. With us reading a lot more to Poppy, we are checking roughly 10 books a week. For Poppy, I’m sticking to books about the potty training, food, sharing, school and some of her character favorites like Moana and Frozen.
I’m actually getting books for me too! Not exactly sure when I’m going to find time to read them all, but I figure that is a small technicality. Mainly books about positive parenting (especially during the terrible twos), parenting styles from around the world, and healthy ways to feed my kiddos.
Winter Cleaning
I know people do Spring cleaning, but we prefer doing winter cleaning. I mean what else is there to do when it’s frigid outside. We have countless little projects to tackle all over this big house. From junk drawers, to closets, to the dreaded filing cabinet, to the pantry, pretty much every room in this house needs a little TLC.
So far I’ve been able to tackle cleaning the fridge (which felt so amazing), the medicine cabinet, my closet, and Beanie’s closet. And with tax season upon us, the filing cabinet is next. Fun fun 👎This stuff always gets put off but feels so incredibly good when it’s finished!
I’m doing my best to keep the hub’s and I motivated! My method is to pair a little project with good music, a delicious beverage and a sweet treat. For example, I have a special Theo chocolate bar just waiting for when I tackle the filing cabinet. Nerdy but it totally keeps me motivated. #chocolatepower
Workout
A few months ago I shared a post about my workout plans post baby. Sadly I’ve had to scrap that for now. Since I have been struggling with my milk supply and don’t want to leave Beanie at the YMCA kid care due to flu season, I’ve had to stop working out.
Instead I’ve been getting mini workouts with housework done with a baby strapped to me, chasing my toddler, and carrying my kiddos. Plus I am trying to go for walks when the weather is over 25 degrees. And some day hopefully soon, I want to start doing yoga again. So although it’s not the ideal fitness routine I would like (I miss running), it’s working for now.
Right now things are all over the place but I’m learning to enjoy the chaos, stay in the present and have fun with our young family.
Originally posted 2018-02-02 11:55:00.
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